A version of this article originally appeared on Getting Smart (http://www.gettingsmart.com). Self-perception, social expectations, and previous experiences shape our academic ability more than we realize. Just think: how many times does your belief that you are gifted at something combine with positive external validation to help you overcome challenges in that area, increase your confidence, and lead you to explore that area more thoroughly and take more risks than others might? Similar dynamics apply to… Read more